The 635th Supply Chain Operation Group flag-football team managed to fight off the 375th Force Support Squadron team’s comeback attempts and held on to win the 2018 Flag Football Intramural Championship 32-20 Nov. 8 on Scott Air Force Base.

The 635th SCOG came into the game knowing what was on the line after losing last year’s championship during the final play of the game.

It was redemption. We learned from last year. We put it all together and brought (the championship) home.

“It was redemption,” said Tech Sgt. Bryant Brown, 635th Supply Chain Operations Wing NCO in charge of strategic plans and programs. “We learned from last year. We put it all together and brought (the championship) home.”

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Before the game even began, it was apparent that it was going to be a tough fight.

“These are two great teams,” said Javon Chase, 435th Supply Chain Operations Squadron funds manager. “It’s going to be a lot of heart and determination. There’s going to be a lot of smart play calls and decisions, and definitely defense, heavy defense.”

This was not the case as both teams’ offenses scored touchdowns on their first possession, the only difference being that the 635th SCOG team made a two point conversion, taking an early 8-6 lead on the scoreboard.

The 635th SCOG’s defense seemed to settle in, holding the 375th FSS team scoreless for the remainder of the first half, including a stop at the goal line as time expired at half-time while holding a 14-6 lead.

After the game both teams that had battled through competition lined up to shake hands and congratulate each other, sharing some smiles and laughs.

During half-time, Brown huddled his 635th SCOG teammates together and told them to finish the job, and not let the game get away from them as it did the year before.

The speech inspired the 635th SCOG team, and they efficiently drove the ball down the field for a score on their opening possession of the second half, making the score 20-6.

The 375th FSS team answered with a long touchdown pass and two-point conversion on the following drive, which shifted the momentum of the game to their side. The momentum was short-lived, as the 635th SCOG returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, taking a commanding 26-14 lead.

“The turning point of the game was that kickoff return of the second half,” said Brown. “We took it to the house, it was ball game, we took their heart.”

The teams traded scores to close out the game, with the 635th SCOG earning a 32-20 victory on that cold November night.

“It feels good man,” said Brown. “Every year we got closer and closer, and we always fell short, but we finally came through this year. We won as a team. We played together as a team. We stuck together as a team. (The 375th FSS) played a great game, but we wanted it more this year, we were hungry.”

Sports are a morale booster. We look forward to this every year, this is where it’s at. Between football, basketball and volleyball, people look forward to this.

Javon Chase, 435th Supply Chain Operations Squadron funds manager

After the game both teams that had battled through competition lined up to shake hands and congratulate each other, sharing some smiles and laughs. Chase said that’s what intramural sports are about, having a good time with fellow Airmen throughout the base.

“Sports are a morale booster,” said Chase. “We look forward to this every year, this is where it’s at. Between football, basketball and volleyball, people look forward to this.”

While it may just be a game, intramural sports like this bring units and other members of Scott AFB closer, to help build comradery and a sense of connectedness to one another and the mission.